Nurses fight malaria, other preventable diseases

Nurses and midwives under the umbrella of the Forum for Local Government Nurses and Midwives (FOLGONM) are set to curb malaria and other preventable infectious diseases. These diseases are measles, pneumonia, diarrhoea, tuberculosis and HIV and AIDS.

According to FOLGONM, the diseases account for 70 per cent of the estimated one million under-five deaths in the country.

The group spoke at its scientific workshop in Lagos, with the theme Child health survival strategies: the Primary Health Care (PHC) approaches. It was sponsored by Reckitt Benkiser.

Its chairman, Mrs Mary Lateef-Yusuf said malaria is the chief among the diseases responsible for 25 and 30 per cents of infants and young children’s deaths.

The Lagos State Government, she said, is strengthening the PHC system to be able to treat the diseases.

Brand Activation Manager, Reckitt Benkiser, Adejoke Akindolie said her company is partnering with the association to educate mothers on the danger of malaria and other preventable diseases.

“We usually go with them to the various communities in the state to sensitised the people. We are also present in every PHC centre across the state. The company has distributed Mortein insecticide and branded baby towels some of the communities. Over 450 women at Pelewura Market in Lagos were beneficiaries,” Akindolie added.